In this annual issue, we look at some of the best, most impactful, and most uplifting speeches from 2024-2025. Ranging from politicians to political activists to celebrities, this issue of The Reference Shelf provides a unique record of American culture during the year as seen through the eyes of some of the nation’s most important public figures. With an eye toward encompassing a diversity of perspectives, speeches will help provide a glimpse of American thought and attitudes on the year’s most important stories.

This volume begins with a preface; a brief overview of what 2025 encompassed for many Americans and how many of the included speeches reflect what Americans cared about, ranging from foreign relations to immigration policies. The preface also provides information about the circumstances that gave rise to these speeches including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, heightening tensions surrounding America’s unwavering support for Israel, the presence of federal troops in American cities, the excessive implementation of tariffs, and the controversy surrounding Trump’s alleged connection to the Epstein files.

Representative American Speeches, 2024-2025 includes speeches that fall into five topics: • A New Administration • Immigration and Human Rights • Funding Cuts and Ideological Battles • Foreign Relations • Opposition to Trump • Commencement and Graduation Speeches

The Reference Shelf provides vital information that is topical, current, and timely. Plus, subscribers get free online access with their annual subscription. With unlimited users and remote access included, your students and patrons can connect immediately to this rich collection of the most-debated current event topics: anytime, anywhere.

Primary and secondary documents, plus carefully-edited introductory materials help students and researchers navigate through these important topics. Encompassing a diversity of perspectives, Representative American Speeches, 2024-2025 provides a glimpse of Americans’ thoughts and attitudes on the year's most important stories.